Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 17, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke's statement on the Bush Administration's energy policy

"The President's inclusion of energy conservation and low-income assistance are a step in the right direction but do not go far enough. The Administration's plan as a whole places far too much emphasis on fossil fuels and nuclear power as the way to ensure our energy future. While these energy sources surely will play a key role in the years to come, I think that in the long-term our nation needs to develop stronger policies to promote energy efficiency, renewable sources, and environmentally-friendly technologies. We simply cannot dig, drill, burn and pollute our way to energy security.

"Even as a long-term strategy the Administration's plan does not address our immediate energy crisis -- runaway wholesale energy prices that are hurting our region's businesses, farms and citizens. This is not just a California problem. It is a national problem that requires real and immediate action.

"I will continue to push the Congress and the Administration for strong action to bring stability to the energy markets and avoid further hardship to the Pacific Northwest."

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